Security device for use with a drinks receptacle

ABSTRACT

A security device is provided for use with a drinks receptacle. The security device includes a body portion having a channel defined therethrough. The channel has an inlet and an outlet for the passage of fluid through the channel. The device further includes a cover portion associated with the body portion adjacent the outlet and the cover portion has a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. The body portion of the device is located in an opening of the receptacle for allowing fluid in the receptacle to pass through said channel via the inlet and outlet and out of said apertures of said cover portion. The outlet of the channel is a spaced distance apart and substantially offset from the apertures defined in the cover portion.

This invention relates to a security device for use with a drinksreceptacle or container and a receptacle with a security device.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to asecurity device for use on a drinks bottle of a type sold in nightclubs,bars and restaurants, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in theart that the security device can be used on any type of bottle or indeedany suitable receptacle or container.

The crime known as “date rape”, wherein a victim's drink is spiked witha drug without their permission, which renders the victim unconscious orunable to fend off an attacker, is becoming an increasing problem. Thecrime typically takes place when a user in a bar, nightclub orrestaurant leaves their drink unattended for a period of time, such asfor example, if the user goes to the toilet, goes to dance on the dancefloor or moves away from their drink to talk to friends. An attacker isthen able to insert a drug into the drink whilst the drink is unattendedand wait for the drug to take effect after the victim returns to theirdrink and drinks the same.

Most drugs used in date rape are colourless and odourless drugs whichreadily dissolve in drink and it is therefore difficult to detect thepresence of the same in a drink without chemical analysis. The types ofdrug used in date rape might be in the form of a table, liquid, granuleand/or powder and are typically dropped into the drink or injected intothe drink via a needle or syringe.

In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problem, it is known toprovide a security cap which can be securely engaged over the open endof a drinks bottle when the user leaves the bottle so as to preventunauthorised access to their drink. One such example is disclosed inCA02422687, wherein a lock is provided on a security cap and a key isinserted in the lock to engage the cap onto an open end of a drinksbottle. In order to release the cap from the bottle, the key needs to bereinserted into the lock and turned. Problems associated with this typeof device is that it is prohibitively expensive to produce, a user hasto remember to lock the security cap onto the open end of the bottlebefore they leave the same, and a user has to carry the key for the capwith them at all times. This is likely to be inconvenient for a user anda user is therefore unlikely to be encouraged to use the same.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a securitydevice for use with a receptacle which is easy to use and which does notrely on a user having to remember to apply the security device to thereceptacle in use.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a receptacle,such as a drinks bottle, with a security device integrally formed withor fitted to the same.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided asecurity device for use with a drinks receptacle, said security deviceincluding a body portion having at least one channel definedtherethrough, said channel having inlet means and outlet meansassociated therewith, said device further including a cover portionassociated with the body portion adjacent the outlet means thereof andsaid cover portion having one or more apertures defined therethrough,the body portion of the device capable of being located in an opening inthe receptacle for allowing matter in the receptacle to pass throughsaid channel via the inlet and outlet means and out of said one or moreapertures of said cover portion in use, and wherein the outlet means ofsaid channel is a spaced distance apart and substantially offset fromsaid one or more apertures defined in said cover portion.

The security device can be integrally formed with a receptacle or can beinserted in an opening of the receptacle during or after manufactureand/or filling of the receptacle. Once the security device is locatedwith the receptacle in use, the device typically cannot be easilyremoved therefrom or is permanently fitted. As such, a user does nothave to remember to use the security device and thus the device preventsunauthorised insertion of a foreign substance into the receptacle towhich the device is attached at all times.

The apertures provided in the cover portion are typically of such a sizeand/or shape so as to prevent, or at least make it difficult, for aperson to insert a powder, tablet and/or the like through the same. Thelocation of the apertures with respect to the opening of the channelalso prevents the insertion of a needle or syringe into the channelsince the channel is not in linear/vertical/straight alignment with thesame.

The one or more apertures can be provided at any suitable location ofthe cover portion, so as for example, to allow a user to place the coverportion in their mouth in use and drink through the same.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two apertures are provided on thecover portion, one aperture is provided a spaced distance apart from asecond aperture with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device(i.e. one aperture is placed above the other aperture). If any liquid orpowder is inserted through the higher or more centrally locatedaperture, the liquid or powder typically drains or falls out of thelower or more peripherally located aperture without passing through thechannel of the body portion, typically as a result of gravity.

With the device fitted in a drinks receptacle, the cover portiontypically protrudes from the opening of the receptacle and a whole orsubstantial part of the body portion is located in the receptacle.

In use of the device, a user typically places their entire mouth overthe cover portion when the device is located with a receptacle, suchthat the contents of the receptacle can flow through all the apertureson the cover portion. Alternatively, a user lips may cover the lower ormore peripheral aperture or apertures, thereby sealing the same andallowing the contents of the receptacle to flow through one or more ofthe upper or more centrally located aperture or apertures.

Preferably tamper evident means are provided on the security device toallow a user to determine whether a person has tampered with the same.The tamper evident means can include one or more frangible portions,such that if a user tries to remove the security device from thereceptacle by the application of force, the frangible portions willbreak, thereby providing a visual indication to a user that the devicehas been tampered with. For example, breaking of the frangible portionstypically separates the cover portion from the body portion or allowsseparation of parts of the body portion.

Preferably the tamper evident means are provided on the body portion ofthe device adjacent the cover portion end thereof.

In one embodiment one or more recesses can be defined in the outersurface of the cover portion, such that if any powder or granules areinserted through the apertures, a visible residue is likely to be leftin said one or more recesses. The recesses are typically locatedadjacent the one or more apertures and can be provided in any suitableshape, number or size.

Preferably the security device, or at least the recesses of the coverportion are formed of coloured material which contrasts with the colourof most potential drugs, such as white powder.

Preferably at least one cavity is defined between the outlet means ofsaid at least one channel and the cover portion. The cavity increasesthe difficulty of a person trying to insert something through theapertures and into the channel. In addition, the cavity allows the flowof fluid, powder or granules from an upper aperture to a lower apertureas described above. Thus, the cavity allows communication between theupper and lower apertures and the channel.

In one embodiment the walls defining the outlet means of said at leastone channel protrude into the cavity between said body portion and saidcover portion. The walls provide a barrier in the event that a needle isinserted through said apertures. Thus, in one example, the interioropenings of said apertures face the outer walls defining the outletmeans of the channel.

Preferably the device is provided with engagement means for allowing thedevice to be engaged with an opening of a receptacle in use. Theengagement means can be provided on the body portion and/or the coverportion as required.

In one embodiment the engagement means are provided on an outer surfaceof the body portion. The engagement means typically engage with an innersurface of the drinks receptacle in use, such as the inner surface ofthe neck of a drinks bottle.

The engagement means can include any or any combination of welding,adhesive, friction fit, one or more clips, barbs, protruding members,resilient members and/or the like.

Preferably sealing means are provided in association with the securitydevice for sealing the device in an opening of a receptacle in use.

In one embodiment the sealing means are in the form of one or moresealing members provided on or associated with the outer surface of saidbody portion. Sealing means can also be provided on or associated withthe cover portion if required.

The body portion is typically in the form of an elongate member, withinlet means provided at one end of the elongate member and outlet meansprovided at the opposite end, the at least one channel provided betweenthe inlet and outlet means.

The inlet and outlet means are typically openings or apertures definingthe ends of the channel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda receptacle with a security device, said receptacle having at least oneopening and a security device located with said opening.

Preferably the receptacle is in the form of a drinks bottle.

The present invention has the advantage that it is inexpensive toproduce and easy to fit and use. In addition, it does not rely on a userhaving to perform any steps to make the device function. This isparticularly advantageous when a user may have been consuming alcoholand therefore may not remember about the dangers of date rape.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a plan view of a top of a security device according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a cross sectional view of the device in FIG. 1 a taken alongline A-A;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a further security device with aclosure member; and

FIG. 3 shows use of the security device in FIGS. 1 a-1 b in a drinksbottle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 3, there is illustrated a securitydevice 100 for use with a drinks bottle 102. The bottle 102 has a base104, side walls 106 and an opening 108 defined at the top of a neck 110of the bottle. However, it will be appreciated that any shaped drinksbottle, or indeed receptacle, can be used with the present invention.

The security device 100 includes a body portion 2 and a cover portion 1.A channel 11 is defined through body portion 2 and said channel 11 hasinlet means in the form of an opening 14 and outlet means in the form ofan opening 16. The channel 11 is typically provided longitudinally ofthe device and the inner walls of the channel are typicallylinear/straight in form in this example. However, one or more shapedfeatures to aid or hinder the flow of fluid from the drinks bottlethrough the channel can be provided if required.

Engagement means are provided on the outer surface 18 of body portion 2to allow engagement of device 100 in the opening 108 of drinks bottle102. The engagement means are such that when the device is inserted intothe opening of drinks bottle 102, the device cannot be removed withoutbreaking or damaging the device, thereby allowing a user to immediatelydetermine whether the device has been tampered with.

More specifically, the engagement means in this illustrated exampleincludes barbs 6 which engage with the inner surface of the neck 110 ofthe bottle and protrusion 3 which also engages with the inner surface ofneck 110 to form a friction fit. Protrusion 3 is substantially wedgeshaped in form, such that the outer surface 20 is angled, with anarrowing taper from end opening 14 towards opening 16. Protrusion 3and/or barbs 6 are typically formed of a material having some resilienceto allow the body portion to be inserted into the opening for engagementwith the bottle neck but yet resist removal of the body portion from theneck of the bottle thereafter.

Sealing means in the form of protrusions 10 are provided on outersurface 18 of body portion 2 to allow sealing engagement to be providedbetween body portion 2 and the inner surface of bottle neck 110. Thisprevents fluid from passing between the outer portion of the bodyportion and the inner surface of the bottle neck and also preventsinsertion of a needle or other matter between the same.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that any number orcombination of sealing means and/or engagement means can be provided onthe security device of the present invention as required.

The cover portion 1 is typically integrally formed with body portion 2but can be attached thereto via suitable means if required. The coverportion has a plurality of apertures 4, 5 defined therein to allow thepassage of fluid 112 from drinks bottle 102 through channel 11 and intothe mouth of a user or other suitable receptacle. The apertures 4, 5 arepositioned to be out of alignment or offset from opening 16, such thatany needle inserted through apertures 4, 5 could not be insertedadjacent or through said opening 16. Thus, there is no overlap in thelongitudinal axis of the device between the side walls of channel 11 andthe side walls defining apertures 4, 5 and apertures 4, 5 are a spaceddistance apart from opening 16.

A cavity 22 is defined between the body portion 2 and the inner surface24 of cover portion 1 and this cavity allows communication betweenapertures 4, 5 and opening 16 of channel 11. The side walls 26 definingopening 16 of channel 11 protrude from shoulder portion 28 into cavity22, such that opening 16 is substantially level with or above the planeof the interior aperture openings (i.e. in the transverse plane of thedevice). However, it will be appreciated that the side walls 26 could bebelow the plane of the interior aperture openings (i.e. in thetransverse plane of the device) provided a needle could not be insertedthrough apertures 4, 5 and through opening 16.

Any number of apertures 4, 5 can be defined in cover portion 1 and theseapertures open internally within cavity 22. More specifically, theapertures 4, 5 are provided in two sets; a first set of apertures 4provided adjacent the top 30 of cover portion 1 and a second set ofapertures 5 provided around the side 32 of cover portion 1. If anattempt is made to place a foreign substance through upper apertures 4,this substance will fall or flow under gravity through lower apertures 5without passing through channel 11. Although fluid 112 can pass throughboth sets of apertures 4, 5, in use a user may place their mouth aroundapertures 5 and forms a seal against the same when drinking from thebottle 102, such that fluid passes predominantly through apertures 4.

The apertures are typically small and are of such a size so as to makeit difficult, if not impossible, to insert a drug in liquid, powder orgranular form through the apertures and into fluid 112 contained in thebottle. The position of the apertures with respect to opening 16 ofchannel 11 also makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the insertionof a needle therethrough.

The number and/or size of the apertures may be provided such that thetotal surface area of the same is substantially equal to the surfacearea of opening 16, thereby allowing substantially the same volume ofliquid to flow out of cover portion 1 as would flow out of channel 11and/or opening 108 of bottle neck 110.

In the embodiment described in FIG. 1 a, a plurality of recesses 7, 8are provided on top 30 of cover portion 1 adjacent apertures 4. Theserecesses are provided so that if any attempt is made to insert a foreignsubstance, such as a drug, through the apertures 4, some residue ortrace of the drug is likely to fall into said recesses and be trapped inthe same. The recesses and/or cover portion can be provided of anysuitable colour such that the foreign substance can be easily visualisedby a user of the drinks bottle. For example, many drugs of the type usedin date rape cases are in the form of a white powder and the residue ofsuch powder is clearly visible against a coloured background, such asfor example a red cover portion 1.

The recesses 7, 8 can be provided in any suitable size, shape and/ornumber and are typically of sufficient depth to make it difficult for apowder to be removed therefrom by simple blowing or shaking once is hasfallen therein. Thus, the recesses act as visual tamper evident means.

Further tamper evident means can be provided on the security device inthe form of one or more frangible portions 34. In the event of someonetrying to remove the device from bottle 102, any application of force tocover portion 1, typically causes frangible portion 34 to break off,thereby separating cover portion from the body portion and providing aclear indication to a user of the bottle that the same has been tamperedwith. The frangible portions 34 can be provided on a part of bodyportion 2 or around the entire circumference as required. In addition,frangible portions 34 are typically provided adjacent cover portion 1,such that they can be broken when forced is applied to said coverportion.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a further embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a closure member in the form of a cap 12 isprovided for location over cover portion 1. The same reference numeralsare used to refer to the same features as in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 3.

The cap 12 typically has a top wall 33, side walls 35 and a screw thread36 provided on an interior wall 38 adjacent an open end 40 thereof.

The exterior surface 42 of shoulder portion 28 has a complementary screwthread 44, such that cap 12 can be rotated between an engaged position,wherein the cover portion is covered by cap 12, and a disengagedposition, wherein cap 12 can be removed from cover portion 1.

Although a screw thread arrangement is provided, it will be appreciatedthat a cap or lid can be attached to the security device via anysuitable means, such as via a hinge or pivot portion, friction fit, oneor more clips and/or the like.

The cover portion 1 is typically substantially hemispherical or domeshaped, thereby providing a substantially smooth surface over which auser can place their mouth and/or lips to drink the contents of thebottle. In addition, at least the outer surface of the cover portion isformed from a suitable material which a user can place in their mouthwithout damaging or injuring the user's mouth and/or leaving a taste ofthe material therein.

The security device can be made from any or any combination of plastic,metal, wood, rubber and/or the like.

Any or any combination of the abovementioned features can be providedwith the present invention as required.

1. A security device for use with a drinks receptacle, said securitydevice including a body portion having at least one channel definedtherethrough, said channel having inlet means and outlet meansassociated therewith, said device further including a cover portionassociated with the body portion adjacent the outlet means thereof andsaid cover portion having one or more apertures defined therethrough,the body portion of the device capable of being located in an opening inthe receptacle for allowing matter in the receptacle to pass throughsaid channel via the inlet and outlet means and out of said one or moreapertures of said cover portion in use, and wherein the outlet means ofsaid channel is a spaced distance apart and substantially offset fromsaid one or more apertures defined in said cover portion.
 2. A securitydevice according to claim 1 wherein at least two apertures are providedon the cover portion and said apertures are provided a spaced distanceapart with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device.
 3. A securitydevice according to claim 1 wherein a cavity is provided between theoutlet means of said channel and said apertures of said cover portion,said cavity allowing communication between said apertures and saidoutlet means.
 4. A security device according to claim 3 wherein wallsdefining said channel outlet means protrude into said cavity.
 5. Asecurity device according to claim 4 wherein the internal openings ofthe apertures of the cover portion face the walls defining the channeloutlet means.
 6. A security device according to claim 1 wherein thesecurity device is integrally formed with the drinks receptacle.
 7. Asecurity device according to claim 1 wherein engagement means areprovided on the device to allow engagement of the device with the drinksreceptacle in use.
 8. A security device according to claim 7 wherein theengagement means are provided on an external surface of the body portionof the device for engagement with the internal surface of the drinksreceptacle in use.
 9. A security device according to claim 7 wherein theengagement means include any or any combination of welding, adhesive,friction fit, one or more clips, barbs, protruding members or resilientmembers.
 10. A security device according to claim 9 wherein the one ormore protruding members are substantially wedge shaped in form with anangled side wall which has a diverging taper towards the cover portion.11. A security device according to claim 9 wherein the one or moreprotruding members and/or barbs are formed from substantially resilientmaterial.
 12. A security device according to claim 1 wherein theapertures on said cover portion are not in linear alignment with theoutlet means of said channel.
 13. A security device according to claim 1wherein tamper evident means are provided on said device for allowing auser to determine whether unauthorised tampering of the device has takenplace.
 14. A security device according to claim 13 wherein the tamperevident means includes one or more frangible portions.
 15. A securitydevice according to claim 13 wherein the tamper evident means areprovided on the body portion of the device.
 16. A security deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein one or more recesses are provided on anexterior surface of the cover portion.
 17. A security device accordingto claim 16 wherein the one or more recesses are provided adjacent theapertures on said cover portion.
 18. A security device according toclaim 1 wherein sealing means are provided for sealing the device in anopening of the drinks receptacle in use.
 19. A security device accordingto claim 18 wherein the sealing means are in the form of one or moresealing members provided on or associated with the outer surface of thebody portion of the device.
 20. A security device according to claim 1wherein the body portion is in the form of an elongate member, withinlet means provided at one end of the elongate member, outlet meansprovided at the opposite end of the elongate member and at least onechannel provided between said inlet and outlet means.
 21. A securitydevice according to claim 1 wherein the walls of the body portiondefining said at least one channel are substantially linear in form. 22.A security device according to claim 1 wherein the outer surface of thecover portion is substantially hemispherical or dome shaped in form. 23.A security device according to claim 1 wherein the number and/or size ofthe apertures in the cover portion are such that the total surface areaof the same is substantially equal to the surface area of the outletmeans or inlet means of the at least one channel.
 24. A security deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein a cap is provided for location over atleast the apertures of the cover portion when in a closed position. 25.A security device according to claim 24 wherein the cap is attached tothe security device via any or any combination of friction fit, hingedor pivotable means, one or more clips or complementary screw threadarrangement.
 26. A security device according to claim 1 wherein with thedevice fitted in a drinks receptacle, the cover portion protrudes fromthe opening of the receptacle and a whole or substantial portion of thebody portion is located in the drinks receptacle.
 27. A drinksreceptacle with a security device according to claim 1.